Protecting the Environment

One of the Attorney General’s Office’s chief enforcement responsibilities is representing the legal needs of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Ohio Department of Environmental Protection. Each of these agencies are charged with protecting Ohio’s precious natural resources and taking action against polluters. The Attorney General represents these agencies in all legal actions, and specially trained agents from the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation assist in criminal and civil investigations of those suspected of violating Ohio’s environmental laws.

Environmental Background Investigation Unit

The Environmental Background Investigation Unit (EBIU) was established in August 1989 as a result of House Bill 592. The public policy adopted by the Ohio Legislature, as it relates to off-site treatment, storage, and disposal of wastes, is codified in Ohio Revised Code Section 3734.40. The law identifies five areas of concern, which make up the public policy.

EBIU, part of the Environmental Enforcement Section located within the Office of the Attorney General, was created to perform background investigations on owners and operators of solid, infectious, and hazardous waste facilities in the state of Ohio, and report its findings to the director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA). The director of the OEPA may approve or deny the owner or operator's permit to operate a facility, based in part on the investigative report's findings concerning the applicant's environmental compliance and/or criminal history.

To view the various disclosure documents utilized by EBIU to conduct its investigations, visit the Guide to the Background Investigation Process page.

If you have questions concerning the investigation documents or fees, please call the EBIU Deputy Director or the Investigator Supervisor at 614-466-3843.

Related information is available from the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5.